18 So David fled and escaped and went to Samuel at Ramah(A) and told him everything Saul had done to him. Then he and Samuel left and stayed at Naioth.(B)

19 When it was reported to Saul that David was at Naioth in Ramah, 20 he sent agents to seize David.(C) However, when they saw the group of prophets prophesying(D) with Samuel leading them, the Spirit of God came on Saul’s agents, and they also started prophesying. 21 When they reported to Saul, he sent other agents, and they also began prophesying.(E) So Saul tried again and sent a third group of agents, and even they began prophesying. 22 Then Saul himself went to Ramah. He came to the large cistern at Secu and asked, “Where are Samuel and David?”

“At Naioth in Ramah,” someone said.

23 So he went to Naioth in Ramah. The Spirit of God also came on him,(F) and as he walked along, he prophesied until he entered Naioth in Ramah. 24 Saul then removed his clothes and also prophesied before Samuel; he collapsed and lay naked(G) all that day and all that night. That is why they say, “Is Saul also among the prophets?” (H)

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Saul Prophesies at Ramah and David Escapes

18 David escaped and fled. He came to Samuel at Ramah and told him all that Saul had done to him. Then he and Samuel went and stayed at Naioth. 19 It was reported to Saul saying, “David is at Naioth in Ramah right now.” 20 Saul sent messengers to take David, and they saw a group of prophets caught up in prophetic ecstasy,[a] with Samuel standing beside them leading them. Then the Spirit of God came on Saul’s messengers, and they also were caught up in prophetic ecstasy.[b]

21 They reported this to Saul, he sent other messengers, and they also were caught up in prophetic ecstasy.[c] 22 Then Saul himself went to Ramah, and he arrived at the large well that is in Secu. He asked, “Where are Samuel and David?”

Someone[d] replied, “They’re at Naioth in Ramah.” 23 Saul went to Naioth in Ramah, and the Spirit of God came on him also. He continued in prophetic ecstasy[e] until he came to Naioth in Ramah. 24 He also removed his clothes and was caught up in prophetic ecstasy[f] right in front of Samuel! He fell down naked and remained there all that day and all night. That is why people say,[g] “Is Saul also among the prophets?”

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Footnotes

  1. 1 Samuel 19:20 Or prophesying
  2. 1 Samuel 19:20 Or prophesied
  3. 1 Samuel 19:21 Or prophesied
  4. 1 Samuel 19:22 Lit. He
  5. 1 Samuel 19:23 Or he continued to prophesy
  6. 1 Samuel 19:24 Or prophesied
  7. 1 Samuel 19:24 Lit. Therefore, they say